We provide dedicated makassar cruise passenger transport for all ships calling at the Port of Makassar (Pelabuhan Soekarno-Hatta). Upcoming confirmed calls include Scenic Eclipse II, Seabourn Pursuit, and Seabourn Sojourn in 2025 and 2026. Our service covers private cars, minibuses, and coaches for shore excursions and transfers.
My name is Yusran Palinrungi, and I lead the corporate and event transport team at Makassar Car Rental. I arrange the logistics for groups arriving by sea, from individual guests wanting a private car for the day to large-scale coach movements for official shore excursions. This is a practical guide to what you can expect when your ship calls at Makassar.
Recent and Confirmed Cruise Calls in Makassar
The Port of Makassar is seeing a steady return of international cruise vessels. While a complete, officially published calendar for 2026 is not yet available from the port authority (Pelindo), several calls are confirmed. We coordinate transport for each arrival individually.
The schedules are subject to change by the cruise lines, but the confirmed calls we are preparing for are:
- Scenic Eclipse II: 8 April 2025 (arriving with 177 guests)
- Scenic Eclipse II: 1 July 2025 (arriving with 161 guests)
- Seabourn Pursuit: 22 October 2025 (arriving with 244 guests)
- Seabourn Sojourn: 28 March 2026 (passenger count to be confirmed)
We have provided transport services for previous calls and understand the specific requirements of expedition and luxury-class vessels. Our team is on standby for these dates and any additional calls announced by other cruise lines.
Where do cruise ships berth and how do guests disembark?
Cruise ships arriving in Makassar berth at the Soekarno-Hatta Port, which is managed by the state-owned port operator, PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo). The port is a mixed-use facility for cargo, ferries, and passenger ships, but cruise vessels are given priority berthing at a dedicated quay.
Guests disembark directly from the ship’s gangway onto the pier. There is no tendering process. The main passenger terminal building, Anging Mammiri, is nearby, but for cruise calls, ground transport is positioned directly on the quay, just a short walk from the ship. This allows for an efficient and organised start to your day ashore.
Our drivers and vehicles receive special access permits to wait in this restricted area. This means your pre-booked car or coach will be waiting for you as soon as you clear the port formalities, which are typically handled on board or at a simple checkpoint on the pier.
What are the typical shore excursion routes from the pier?
Makassar’s port is conveniently located, allowing for several distinct full-day or half-day itineraries. A typical port call lasts between 8 and 10 hours, which is sufficient time to explore the region’s primary sites without feeling rushed, provided your transport is well-planned.
Rammang-Rammang Karst and Prehistoric Caves
This is the most requested makassar cruise shore excursion. The journey involves a drive into the neighbouring Maros regency, followed by a trip on a traditional motorised canoe.
- Drive Time: Approximately 60 to 90 minutes each way from the port, depending on traffic.
- Activities: You travel by small boat along the Puteh river, navigating through a dramatic landscape of limestone karst towers, rice paddies, and nipa palm forests. You can visit the village of Berua and see the prehistoric cave paintings at Leang-Leang Prehistoric Park.
- Learn more: See our detailed guide on getting from Makassar to Rammang-Rammang by car.
Makassar City and Cultural Tour
For guests who prefer a shorter travel time, a tour of the city itself reveals its history as a major trading post for the spice trade.
- Fort Rotterdam: Just 4 kilometres from the port, this 17th-century Dutch fortress is well-preserved and offers a clear view into the city’s colonial past. Expect to spend 60-90 minutes here.
- Paotere Harbour: About 3 kilometres north of the port, this is where you can see the traditional wooden Phinisi schooners. These ships are still built by hand in South Sulawesi and continue to ply the archipelago’s sea lanes. It is a working harbour, offering a vivid slice of local life.
- Somba Opu Street: The city’s main souvenir thoroughfare, located about 5 kilometres from the pier. This is the place to find gold filigree, silk, and other local handicrafts.
Bantimurung National Park
Known for its waterfall and as a centre of butterfly research by Alfred Russel Wallace in the 19th century, Bantimurung is another popular option in the Maros regency.
- Drive Time: The drive is similar to Rammang-Rammang, taking 60 to 90 minutes.
- Activities: The main attraction is the large waterfall with a designated swimming area. There is also a butterfly sanctuary and walking trails. The number of butterflies you see can depend heavily on the season and weather.
Planning a day ashore? Our team can help you build a realistic itinerary based on your ship’s schedule and your interests. You can request a quote and we can discuss the options with you on WhatsApp.
Private Car or Coach for Cruise Guests?
The choice between a private car and a larger vehicle depends on your group size and desired flexibility. We operate a full fleet, from sedans to 50-seater buses. All are available for private charter for the duration of your ship’s call.
Here is a comparison of the most common options for a full-day (up to 12 hours) charter, with prices inclusive of the vehicle and a professional driver.
| Vehicle Type | Typical Capacity | Best For | Price (from) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medium Coach | 15–29 guests | Larger family groups or private groups of friends travelling on the same cruise. | Quoted on request |
All prices sourced from Makassar Car Rental Rate Card, checked October 2026. Prices are for vehicle and driver charter within the greater Makassar area and exclude fuel, tolls, parking, entrance fees, and guide fees.
A private car offers the ability to make spontaneous stops, spend as long as you like at a particular spot, and travel at your own pace. A minibus or coach is more economical for a group and ensures everyone stays together. We can provide a detailed, all-inclusive quotation based on your group’s specific needs.
How should I time my return to the ship?
This is the most critical part of any independent shore excursion. Our drivers are professionals who understand the importance of your ship’s departure time. We build a significant buffer into every itinerary.
Traffic in and out of Makassar can be heavy, especially between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM on weekdays. The main road connecting the city to Maros (home to Rammang-Rammang and Bantimurung) is a key arterial route and can become congested.
Our Recommendation
For a typical ‘all aboard’ time of 5:00 PM, we advise departing from sites in Maros no later than 2:30 PM. This allows for a 90-minute return journey and provides a 60-minute buffer for unexpected delays. This conservative approach ensures you arrive back at the pier with time to spare, free of any stress.
When you book with us, we will confirm your ship’s scheduled departure and work backwards to create a safe and comfortable timeline for your day.
Airport Transfers for Embarking and Disembarking Guests
We also manage transfers for guests joining or leaving their cruise in Makassar. The distance between Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport (UPG) and the Soekarno-Hatta Port is approximately 23 kilometres. The drive typically takes 45 to 60 minutes.
Our service includes:
- Flight Monitoring: We track your flight’s arrival time and adjust the pickup accordingly.
- Meet and Greet: Your driver will be waiting in the arrivals hall with a name sign.
- Luggage Handling: Our vehicles have ample space for luggage.
- Port Coordination: We ensure you are dropped off at the correct gate for cruise passenger access.
For those seeking a more seamless airport experience, we can arrange VIP airport assistance. This service includes a personal escort through the check-in process, porter service for your bags, and access to the airport lounge. Please note: we are a transport provider. No commercial immigration or customs fast-track product is offered or guaranteed at UPG.
Working with Cruise Lines and Ground Operators
As a leading local transport provider, we work in two primary ways. First, we are a trusted vehicle supplier for major ground operators and destination management companies (DMCs) that manage the official shore excursions for cruise lines like Seabourn and Scenic. They rely on our fleet’s quality, our safety standards, and our drivers’ professionalism.
Second, we offer the same high-quality service directly to guests who prefer to arrange their own private cruise shore excursion transport. Booking directly with us means you communicate with our local team here in Makassar. We provide transparent pricing with no third-party markups, and you have a direct line of contact for any adjustments to your plan.
All our vehicles are commercially licensed, fully insured, and subject to regular maintenance schedules. Our drivers are trained to serve international visitors and prioritise safety and punctuality above all else.
Request Transport for Your Ship Call
Arranging your transport in advance is straightforward. To provide you with an accurate quote, we need a few key details:
- Your ship’s name and its date of arrival in Makassar
- The number of guests in your private group
- A general idea of the sites you wish to see
With this information, we can recommend the right vehicle and propose a workable itinerary that respects your ship’s schedule. Police escort for convoys can be requested but is always subject to official approval and availability from the relevant authorities.
To begin planning, please use the contact form on our website. Our team also uses WhatsApp for quick and easy communication, which is often helpful for guests planning from different time zones.
Request a quote for your cruise call transport
Frequently Asked Questions
Listed market rates we checked
Published operator rates in Makassar, each with its source and the year of the listing. Indicative only; fuel, driver and route terms vary, and the written quote from our desk is the binding figure.
| Vehicle / service | Listed rate | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hiace Premio / Commuter (11–15 pax), per day with driver | Rp1.200.000–1.800.000 (Happy Bus incl. fuel + driver) | happybus.id | 2026 listing, checked Oct 2026 |
| Medium bus 29–35 seats, per day with driver | Rp1.800.000–2.500.000 (Happy Bus package incl. fuel + driver) | happybus.id | 2026 listing, checked Oct 2026 |
| Airport → city alternatives: official taxi / Grab / Gojek (30–45 min) · shuttle / DAMRI (45–60 min) | ±Rp100.000–150.000 (another guide: taxi ±Rp150.000–200.000, Grab/Gojek ±Rp100.000–180.000) · ±Rp30.000–50.000 | trip.com | Oct 2026 |
Can we hire an English-speaking guide as well as a driver?
Yes. While our drivers are professional and courteous, most are not licensed tour guides. We can arrange for a licensed, English-speaking local guide to accompany you for the day. They provide in-depth commentary and handle logistics like purchasing entrance tickets, which allows your driver to focus on the road.
Is the port terminal far from the city centre?
No, the Soekarno-Hatta Port is very close to the main areas of Makassar. Key sites like Fort Rotterdam and the Losari Beach waterfront are only about 4-5 kilometres away, a drive of 15-20 minutes depending on traffic.
Are US Dollars or Euros accepted for payments on shore?
Generally, no. For small, direct payments such as entrance fees, snacks, or souvenirs, you will need Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Most vendors and official ticket counters do not accept foreign currency. We recommend changing a small amount of money. For our transport services, you can pay in advance by credit card or bank transfer to avoid the need to carry large amounts of cash.